What a mixed up muppet!

[inkspot]

So I get through the last 8 months after my accident, coped really well then why the hell for the last month have I felt so pi**ed off!

There is no reason whatsoever, so why all the moody and grumpiness?

For months I have been unable to go out, now all of a sudden I can but don't want to!

Then the TE Christmas card list, couldn't be bothered BUT I thought I should make the effort AND I did and that guys, has done me the world of good.

My question, has anybody else ever felt like this?

As a neuroscience researcher, I'm actually not at all surprised that this would happen - it sounds to me like it is part of the normal reaction to the chronic stress response. With everything you had to go through with your accident, your body likely responded with a long-term elevation in cortisol levels to help you cope. Once your body is allowed to return to normal functioning levels, it actually responds with a swing in the opposite direction. So, those cortisol levels that were so elevated are likely now dropping BELOW normal levels. Because all the neuro-chemicals in your brain interact (lowering the level of one will result in elevations or decreases in the levels of the others), thus wreaking havoc with all your other neuro-hormone and neurotransmitter levels. The mood changes are a signal that the pendulum swing has begun. As frustrating as it must feel, it is, in fact, a good sign - it means that your body is in the process of returning to equilibrium after a time of prolonged stress. In the coming days and weeks you should notice a decrease in the moodiness and a return to your old self.

I hope this helps just a little!

Of course, it goes without saying, if you are at all concerned about this change in mood, it never hurts to talk to your doctor about what might be causing it

[NbyNW]

As a neuroscience researcher, I'm actually not at all surprised that this would happen - it sounds to me like it is part of the normal reaction to the chronic stress response. With everything you had to go through with your accident, your body likely responded with a long-term elevation in cortisol levels to help you cope. Once your body is allowed to return to normal functioning levels, it actually responds with a swing in the opposite direction. So, those cortisol levels that were so elevated are likely now dropping BELOW normal levels. Because all the neuro-chemicals in your brain interact (lowering the level of one will result in elevations or decreases in the levels of the others), thus wreaking havoc with all your other neuro-hormone and neurotransmitter levels. The mood changes are a signal that the pendulum swing has begun. As frustrating as it must feel, it is, in fact, a good sign - it means that your body is in the process of returning to equilibrium after a time of prolonged stress. In the coming days and weeks you should notice a decrease in the moodiness and a return to your old self.

Inkspot, this is fascinating. Has there been anything about this published for the general public? Seems like it would be so helpful to be able to anticipate this stage of healing.

[inkspot]

Inkspot, this is fascinating. Has there been anything about this published for the general public? Seems like it would be so helpful to be able to anticipate this stage of healing.

Usually most of the general information published on this effect is lumped together under the post-traumatic stress disorder literature, despite PTSD being more complicated than this basic effect. For the best general information, however, I would look there. Hope this helps!

[ClockworkOrange]

I have posted all types of concerns over the years on this site and am always struck by the kindness and knowledge of you guys.

BUT inkspot, you have surpassed yourself.

What you have written makes so much sense and that itself, has made me realise I am almost fully recovered.

I am sure many others reading this will find it extremely useful, almost comforting to understand the reasons why it happens.

[inkspot]

I have posted all types of concerns over the years on this site and am always struck by the kindness and knowledge of you guys.

BUT inkspot, you have surpassed yourself.

What you have written makes so much sense and that itself, has made me realise I am almost fully recovered.

I am sure many others reading this will find it extremely useful, almost comforting to understand the reasons why it happens.

I'm glad that my post was able to help you! I find it so frustrating that doctors neglect to properly prepare their patients for the different experiences that come along with healing and recovering after such stressful events. This is a phenomenon that most doctors are aware of, and it would only take a couple minutes to say, "Hey, I see you're getting to the point where the worst of the injury is over. Here are a few things you may experience over the coming weeks..."

I know our family doctor was amazing in making sure that he prepared us for whatever was coming next. When my Mom finished her cancer treatments, he told her that this some something that she was likely to experience and to not be surprised or overly concerned by it. It made all the difference to her knowing that what she was experiencing was normal and expected.

I hope you start to feel like your old self soon!

Best!